SUNDAY: Manchester City pep talk

DAILY STAR SUNDAY: Man City will tell Pep Guardiola to name his price this week after deciding time is up for Roberto Mancini. Also: Robin van Persie has hailed Sir Alex Ferguson and his inspirational team talks as ‘different class’.

SUNDAY SUN: Wayne Rooney has told his Manchester United team-mates: “Pile the misery on City.” Also: Fernando Torres dusted off his shooting boots to score his first Premier League penalty.

SUNDAY MIRROR: Mario Balotelli hires taxis to guide him to meetings outside Manchester. Also: Fernando Torres scored his first Premier League goals for 12 1/2 hours at the Stadium of Light.

SUNDAY EXPRESS: Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini is planning a surprise move for Chelsea’s England star Ashley Cole. Also: Fingers were pointed at Arsenal’s Santi Cazorla yesterday as the Spaniard was accused of blatantly diving to earn his side a penalty against West Brom.

THE OBSERVER: The smile lighting up Rafael Benitez’s face at the mention of Fernando Torres’ name spoke volumes. Also: Sir Alex Ferguson will trust in an experienced Manchester United side spearheaded by Robin van Persie as he attempts to end Manchester City’s two-year unbeaten league run at the Etihad Stadium in this afternoon’s 163rd derby.

INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY: Sir Alex Ferguson fears that Manchester United’s attempt to wrest the Premier League title back from Manchester City in the second half of the season could be undermined by “ridiculous” television scheduling. Also: Christmas came early here on a chill midwinter afternoon, with Mike Jones as Santa and a man called Santi, unusually, playing the grateful recipient.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH: Arsene Wenger last night said he was sorry if Santi Cazorla had dived to win a penalty in his side’s 2-0 win against West Bromwich Albion. Also: Chelsea are stepping up their efforts to sign a top-quality striker next month, with a key representative understood to have flown to Madrid this week to hold further talks over acquiring either Radamel Falcao or Gonzalo Higuain in the January transfer window.

SUNDAY TIMES: Pep Guardiola is seriously considering refusing the chance to manage Manchester City or Chelsea next season to take over as Bayern Munich coach. Also: Team sports could virtually be wiped from GB Olympic and Paralympic squads bound for Rio.